Compare the Best CBD Oil for Shingles in 2022

How CBD May Help With Shingles

Shingles is a type of viral infection characterized by a painful rash. Shingles may occur anywhere in the body, commonly in the form of blisters on the side of the torso⁽¹⁾.  

The VZV (varicella-zoster virus) causes a shingles outbreak. VZV is the same virus that triggers chickenpox. 

After initial infection, the varicella-zoster virus establishes lifelong latency in the cranial nerve and dorsal root ganglia⁽²⁾.  

Cranial nerves refer to pairs of nerves that connect one’s brain to different parts of the head, neck, and trunk. Meanwhile, the dorsal root ganglia carry sensory nerve cells that transfer sensory information to the spinal cord.  

VZV can reactivate years to decades later as shingles or herpes zoster. Statistics show that 90% of adults in the U.S. acquire shingles in childhood. Most children and young people have been vaccinated with the live virus vaccine⁽³⁾. 

Aside from painful blistering rash, other common symptoms of shingles include muscle aches, stomach pain, headaches, fever, and vomiting⁽⁴⁾. 

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa plant. 

Individuals with shingles may find CBD helpful in managing inflammation brought by the disease. Cannabidiol engages the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body, helping to suppress inflammation⁽⁵⁾.    

The cannabinoid receptors are components of the ECS (endocannabinoid system), a widespread neuromodulatory system that plays a significant role in the central nervous system. The ECS also maintains bodily homeostasis or balance. 

Apart from the cannabinoid receptors, the ECS also comprises enzymes and endocannabinoids, which are naturally-occurring chemical substances in the body.

CBD, and other cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interact with the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors in the ECS. These receptors play a role in pain management and inflammatory response⁽⁶⁾. 

THC is the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It is believed that CBD may reduce THC’s potency and efficacy and regulate pain perception⁽⁷⁾. 

A study from the Journal of Experimental Medicine indicated that certain types of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD may potentiate glycine receptors, an essential target for nociceptive regulation at the spinal level⁽⁸⁾.

The researchers hypothesized that cannabinoids like CBD may suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain⁽⁹⁾.

Nociceptive pain is triggered by damage to body tissue, whereas neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage. 

PHN (postherpetic neuralgia), the most common shingles complication, is characterized by nerve pain⁽¹⁰⁾. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10% to 18% of individuals who get shingles will experience PHN⁽¹¹⁾. 

CBD is not psychoactive and posseses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties⁽¹²⁾. These characteristics make cannabidiol a potential therapeutic candidate for diseases like shingles. 

Still, longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate how CBD may help with shingles and other painful conditions. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Shingles

Currently, there is no direct research examining CBD’s potential in managing shingles pain. Still, various animal studies, human research, and anecdotal reports suggest CBD may help with chronic pain⁽¹³⁾.

Shingles cause a painful red rash on an area of the skin⁽¹⁴⁾. A person with shingles may develop PHN, and the pain from such a condition can be so severe that it affects daily activities⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Studies suggest a potential anti-nociceptive effect of CBD alone and CBD combined with other compounds in numerous pain-related diseases⁽¹⁶⁾. CBD’s analgesic effects may vary depending on the route of drug administration and dosage. 

A 2021 experimental pain study of CBD in humans was conducted by researchers from Syracuse University⁽¹⁷⁾. They hypothesized that CBD pain relief is driven by pharmacological action and psychological placebo effects.

A placebo effect is about creating a stronger connection between the brain and body and how they work together. It is more than positive thinking or believing a particular treatment will work⁽¹⁸⁾. 

These findings may be helpful in further studies regarding the benefits of using CBD for severe pain caused by the shingles rash. 

A study from the journal Medicine hypothesized that patients with sleep disorders may carry an increased risk of developing shingles⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Lack of sleep can compromise the body’s immune system, which may reactivate latent shingles virus known as VZV⁽²⁰⁾. 

It is believed that CBD may help with sleep disorders like insomnia⁽²¹⁾.  

A 2019 study from The Permanente Journal stated that out of 72 adults with primary concerns of anxiety and poor sleep, 48 patients reported having improved sleep scores within the first month of CBD clinical application⁽²²⁾. However, their scores fluctuated over time.   

Meanwhile, an animal study using adult male Wistar rats showed that the systematic acute administration of cannabidiol may increase total sleep time and sleep latency⁽²³⁾.

Sleep latency is the time it takes to go from being fully awake to sleeping.  

Another study suggested that CBD may have bactericidal properties or the ability to kill bacteria⁽²⁴⁾. 

Bacterial skin infections may manifest if shingles blisters are not adequately treated⁽²⁵⁾. Hence, CBD’s purported bactericidal properties may benefit those who have shingles. 

These findings may be promising. However, some were conducted on animal models, while others were small clinical trials. 

Still, researchers who want to explore the benefits of CBD on shingles may find these results helpful. 

How to Take CBD Oil for Shingles

Consumers may take CBD oil for shingles using the following routes of administration: 

• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Topical application
• Sublingual (under the tongue) administration
• Transdermal route (active ingredients delivered across the skin for systematic distribution) 

Shingles usually affects a small section of one side of the body⁽²⁶⁾. Individuals with shingles may try topical CBD to manage their symptoms.  

Topicals refer to products applied to the skin for localized relief. Topical CBD may help reduce inflammation, muscle tightness, and sunburn when applied⁽²⁷⁾. 

CBD does not enter the bloodstream via the topical route⁽²⁸⁾. Instead, the CB2 receptors in the skin interact with CBD, which is then absorbed locally to reduce inflammation in the affected area and provide pain relief.  

The effects of CBD in topicals may takeabout 15 to 30 minutes⁽²⁹⁾. 

However, since CBD is not absorbed into the whole body via topical application, this route may be safer, considering how little is known about CBD’s long-term safety⁽³⁰⁾.    

CBD Dosage for Shingles

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recognize CBD as a shingles treatment. Thus, there is no standard CBD dosage for shingles. 

Still, CBD is relatively safe⁽³¹⁾. In addition, a study from Current Drug Safety stated that chronic use and high doses of CBD up to 1,500mg daily are reportedly well tolerated in humans⁽³²⁾.  

Meanwhile, doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD per day may be effective for pain and inflammation⁽³³⁾. Pain is the first symptom of shingles⁽³⁴⁾.  

Still, it is best to talk with a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use, especially if you are taking CBD for the first time. They can give you an accurate CBD dosage for shingles or whatever medical condition you may have. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Shingles?

How long CBD takes to help with shingles depend on the administration route and several other factors like body weight and CBD potency. 

The fastest way to benefit from cannabidiol is through vaping⁽³⁵⁾. You may feel the effects of CBD via this route within two to 15 minutes⁽³⁶⁾. 

However, extra caution is required if you choose this administration method because vaping may damage the lungs⁽³⁷⁾.  

Meanwhile, CBD in topical products usually has a 15 to 30-minute onset⁽³⁸⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Shingles?

How long CBD will last after it starts to help depends on pharmacokinetics. 

Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of a particular substance into, through, and out of the body. It includes the time course of a drug’s absorption, bioavailability, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. 

A 2018 study from Frontiers in Pharmacology examined the pharmacokinetics of CBD in humans⁽³⁹⁾. 

The bioavailability of CBD after smoking was 31%. Meanwhile, the bioavailability of CBD in topical products is zero⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Shingles

CBD oil and other CBD-derived products are mainly sold online. You may find CBD products in topical formulations, such as lotions, salves, balms, and CBD creams. 

CBD is also available in edible forms like gummies and capsules. Tinctures and vapes are additional options. 

With so many CBD products to choose from, choosing the best one can be challenging. Here are a few pertinent reminders to help you select a high-quality CBD oil for shingles: 

• Learn the different types of CBD oil extracts. 

A full-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant. This CBD variant has less than 0.3% THC concentration. It is also known to provide the entourage effect due to the presence of all cannabis compounds. 

The entourage effects refer to the theory wherein biologically active compounds of cannabis work better when administered together. 

Terpenes are found in essential oils produced by many plants. These aromatic compounds, contained in the full-spectrum variant, contribute to the flavor and aroma of cannabis. 

On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD also contains all the natural compounds of cannabis. However, unlike the full-spectrum variant, broad-spectrum is nearly THC-free.  

Lastly, CBD isolate is a type of CBD that only contains pure cannabidiol. 

• Find a CBD company that utilizes all-natural, non-GMO hemp. 

Trusted CBD brands cultivate their hemp plants or purchase from other companies that practice sustainable farming. 

• Ensure that the CBD online stores or dispensaries you choose are authorized to distribute or sell CBD products. 

You may want to read customer feedback and specific product reviews to help you gain more insights about the brand and the items they are selling. 

• Make sure the CBD brand you choose enlists the services of a third-party laboratory to test all its products. 

The lab report and COA (certificates of analysis) must be easily accessible through a brand’s official webpage. This way, consumers can verify the accuracy of CBD potency and whether the products contain residual solvents. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Shingles

According to WHO (World Health Organization), CBD is relatively safe and well tolerated in humans and animals⁽⁴¹⁾. Still, CBD may induce some risks and side effects, such as⁽⁴²⁾: 

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness 

Another cause for concern is the inaccuracy of CBD dosage in some products. In a study, researchers found that about 26% of the tested products contained less CBD than indicated on the label⁽⁴³⁾. 

Painkillers like oxycodone are effective at treating shingles pain⁽⁴⁴⁾. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, may also be effective for mild pain⁽⁴⁵⁾. 

However, NSAIDs may interact with CBD⁽⁴⁶⁾. NSAIDs use the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, a family of liver enzymes that metabolize approximately 60% of the pharmaceutical drugs people consume⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

At high doses, CBD may inhibit the activity of these enzymes by increasing the duration of action and effect of prescription drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450⁽⁴⁸⁾.  

Other treatments for shingles include antiviral medication like acyclovir, which can speed healing and reduce one’s risk of complications⁽⁴⁹⁾. Since shingles can trigger severe pain, numbing agents like lidocaine, administered via cream or gel may also be prescribed. 

If you want to try CBD with other prescription drugs, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first. They can advise you regarding possible drug interactions.  

Legality of CBD

The U.S. government permitted the use of CBD and medical marijuana on a federal level. Former President Donald John Trump signed the Farm Bill on December 20, 2018⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

The 2018 Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are deemed legal under federal law⁽⁵¹⁾. 

Still, rules and regulations regarding CBD and medical marijuana vary from state to state. Hence, you must familiarize yourself with various state laws to avoid possible legal repercussions.